I’m thinking back over Mobot’s colourful three-year history, but I’m seriously struggling to recall any balls-out scandals. Oh, other than the time I was snapped out and about with married former-Motorola MILF Christy Wyatt (I wish).

Making up for the lack of scandal (and then some), former HTC exec Thomas Chien – along with five unnamed colleagues – has been indicted on several counts of corporate naughtiness.

For starters, we’re told that the Smartphone Six shared company secrets pertaining to a work-in-progress version of Sense (probably 6.0), with the ultimate goal of starting their own company.

Furthermore, all six face breach of trust charges following the falsification of expenses, with kickbacks from suppliers taking the total to 33.57 million New Taiwan dollars (roughly £680,000).

On the kickback note, three individuals from HTC suppliers have been indicted also, though neither the individuals nor the suppliers are named.

The Wall Street Journal reckons leaking company secrets and breach of trust each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Was it worth it, guys? Was it really worth it?

Reiterating a statement from August, HTC tells The Verge: “The company expects employees to observe and practice the highest levels of integrity and ethics. Protecting the company’s proprietary and intellectual properties, privacy and security is a core fundamental responsibility of every employee. The company does not condone any violation.”